However, the application has sparked huge opposition from villagers, walkers and mountain bikers who live by or visit the nearby countryside.

The firm, which was awarded an exploration licence for the area in 2004, wants to build the rig along with a plant, buildings and equipment.

The Leith Hill Action Group has set up a website where those concerned can register objections and find out ways of formally opposing the plans.

Peter Wrigglesworth, group chairman, said: “To hit 1,000 registrants in just over four weeks is testimony to the strength of feeling against this completely inappropriate planning application.

“We have been inspired by messages of support we have received from residents in Coldharbour and Dorking and neighbouring communities, walkers, mountain bikers and people who enjoy the environment surrounding the site.”

The National Trust, Capel Parish Council and the Campaign to Protect Rural England have all registered objections to the plans.

Mr Wrigglesworth added: “Europa Oil & Gas has already implied that if production is viable, it can be done from a less sensitive site, so our question is, why can’t the exploration operation be undertaken from outside the AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)? We must protect the Surrey Hills, not violate it.”

Flashing light

If successful, the operation at Bury Hill Wood would operate 24 hours a day and be lit at night, while a flashing light would be perched on top of the rig to warn aircraft.

There would be four gas and oil flare units, generators and buildings including store rooms and staff accommodation covering most of the two-acre site.

It is predicted there would be an extra 64 lorry journeys in and out of the site each day via Coldharbour Lane and the A24 Knoll Road.

Some parts of Abinger Forest, designated ‘open access land’ by the Forestry Commission, would remain closed during the operation, which would last for a minimum of 18 weeks.

The Woodland Trust has thrown its weight behind the protesters, saying the plan would destroy the environment.

“The application ignores the value of the rich, undisturbed soils found in ancient woodland, which are vital to the biodiversity,” said Alice Farr, trust spokesman.

“It inappropriately suggests the soils can be removed and restored after construction but, once disturbed, the damage is done. Ancient woodland is probably the most complex of all habitats.”

Europa Oil & Gas wants to evaluate a potential reservoir 1km below the ground in a subterranean rock formation called the Weald Basin. It disputes fears that the rig will be easily spotted.

“Due to the screening effects of intervening buildings, woodland cover and topography, very few homes, recreational routes or roads would experience any views of the rig at all,” a company report said.

“The site’s location was carefully selected to minimise environmental impact to surrounding settlements, such as Coldharbour.”

The company added that it was following government policy to find more onshore oil and gas reserves as the North Sea fields dry up.

Objections or support should be sent to Mole Valley District Council by Wednesday, April 15 and to Surrey County Council by Thursday, April 23.